The race to make the lightest rainwear was quietly continuing until recently, but the battle to break records has actually come to a complete halt in recent years
Until around 2020, many brands competed to be "as light as possible" when it came to rainwear, but this has now reached its limits, and it seems that there are fewer models that boast extreme lightness, and the mainstream is shifting towards models that still advertise lightness but prioritize a balance of comfort and ease of use
The Rab Phantom Pull-On & Phantom Pants that I'm reviewing today are a long-selling item that was released in the 2020 season and is already approaching its fourth season (with some minor adjustments). Despite this, it remains one of the lightest waterproof and breathable shells in the world, and in terms of not only its lightness but also its level of perfection, it is a piece that in a sense sits at the pinnacle of the current lightweight rainwear world (although I'm not sure if such a world even exists). In other words, this rainwear put an end to the race for lightness, and could be said to be a milestone in the history of rainwear.
It's a highly specialized item, packed with all the elements needed for short routes and high-speed activities such as day hikes in stable weather, trail running, and fast hiking, and in fact, it only has those elements. However, its appeal has not faded at all even now
Rab, a brand that never compromises on quality , and I will be reviewing its appeal, weaknesses, and the situations in which it can be used.
table of contents
Key Features of Rab Phantom Pull-On & Phantom Pants
The Rab Phantom Pull-On & Phantom Pants (hereinafter referred to as Phantom Pull-On) are ultra-lightweight rainwear that boasts world-class lightness and compactness, ample waterproof and breathable performance, a light feel, and ease of movement. The jacket is made with ultra-thin 2.5-layer Pertex Shield, a 7D waterproof and breathable material, making it incredibly light at just 90 grams. Despite this, it maintains the same water resistance and breathability as full-fledged rainwear, while features such as moderate stretch, elasticated cuffs, and a snug-fitting hood ensure stress-free comfort even during intense activities. Both the jacket and pants can be packed compactly enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Favorite points
- World-class lightweight and compact design
- Excellent draping and stretch fabric for ease of movement
- The subtle unevenness of the lining makes it non-sticky (excellent for a 2.5 layer fabric)
- Sufficient waterproofing
- Long front zip for ventilation
Points of concern
- No pockets whatsoever
- The hood is not adjustable (although it does fit somewhat well thanks to the elastic)
- Extremely thin and lightweight fabric, so be careful of rubbing and snagging
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | Rab Phantom Pull-On | Rab Phantom Pants |
|---|---|---|
| Official/Actual Weight (g) | 90 | 80 |
| Fabric and material | Pertex® Shield 7D denier nylon ripstop | Pertex® Shield 7D denier nylon ripstop |
| Number of layers | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Water resistance (mm) | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Breathability (g/m² 24hrs) | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Number of pockets | 0 | 0 (There is a mesh pocket for storage on the back lining) |
| Reflector | 〇 | 〇 |
| Packable | × | 〇 |
| evaluation | ||
| waterproof | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Stuffiness | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| mobility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
Material, weight, and portability
The most important thing to note about this item is its weight. There is no doubt about that
Even though it is a "fully waterproof jacket" and not a wind shell, its lightness of just 90 grams is nothing short of astonishing. Even now, four years after its release, no waterproof jacket lighter than this has been produced, proving that it is the pinnacle of lightness
As expected, when I put it on, it felt as if I was wearing nothing at all, and it felt stress-free. And yet, it provided excellent protection from the wind and rain, so hurrah for high technology
There are two main reasons why it was able to be so light
One of the key features is the waterproof and breathable fabric "Pertex Shield" used in this garment. This fabric's non-porous PU membrane makes it easier to thin than other waterproof and breathable materials, and the Phantom Pull-On takes full advantage of this feature to achieve an incredibly thin outer fabric of 7D (denier). While 7D might seem simple, it's not something anyone can easily achieve. This is a feat only possible at Rab, thanks to their refined, high-level production techniques, down to the finest details of the manufacturing process, from the selection of a nylon thread that combines strength and lightness, to a weaving method that maintains strength, such as micro ripstop, and the PU laminate lining that combines lightness and performance.
It's so compact it's smaller than the palm of your hand. The jacket comes with its own mini sack, and the pants come with a mesh pocket for storage
Another refreshing aspect of this garment is its minimalism, which is evident even in the smallest details. All but the bare essentials for moving around while protecting against the wind and rain, such as the pullover front zipper, pockets, drawcords for adjustment, and ultra-thin seam tape, have been boldly omitted. This thorough stripping down not only makes it incredibly light, but also reduces the number of parts that tend to be bulky, making it possible to pack it down surprisingly small
Waterproof and breathable
From my personal experience, even though this type of ultra-light rainwear is labeled as "waterproof," I believe that, given its light weight, it is impossible to expect the same level of waterproof performance as conventional, full-scale mountaineering rainwear (even if the "fabric" specifications are impressive). In that sense, I was a little skeptical of the official figures for the Pertex Shield used in this model: "Water resistance: 20,000mm, Breathability: 20,000 (g/m² 24hrs)."
However, I finally tested it for several hours on the trail on a relatively heavy rainy day, and it effectively prevented the rain, blowing away my prejudice. Not only did it keep out the rain, but the DWR water-repellent coating also lasted for a long time, allowing any water droplets that fell on the surface to continue to drip off while I was out and about. I didn't test it in the rain for an entire day, so I can't say whether it's on the same level as thicker rainwear, but it performs well enough if you imagine a few hours of rain during a day hike
Despite its thinness, it is water-resistant, and the DWR water-repellent treatment lasts longer than you'd expect. The lining has a micro-irregular texture that prevents stickiness
On the other hand, regarding resistance to stuffiness, I should preface this by saying that I have never personally felt that rainwear made with this fabric (Pertex Shield) was "incredibly breathable!", and every model I have worn in the past always ended up feeling a little damp when worn during the humid rainy season. In that sense, as I had initially expected, this model did not provide any outstanding resistance to stuffiness beyond what the "20,000 (g/m² 24hrs)" figure indicated
However, despite my previous impression of it, I feel that the ultra-thin 7 denier fabric and the easy ventilation provided by the front zipper allow moisture to escape from the garment well. I was also concerned that the lining, which is a 2.5-layer laminate, might stick to the skin, but it has been processed to create a subtle unevenness, so it wasn't as noticeable as I had feared, and even if it did get a little stuffy, it was still quite comfortable, which may have contributed to my positive impression
The Phantom Pull-On prioritizes lightness over ease of use, and as a result, it has chosen a pullover style rather than a full zip, which means that it needs to be breathable and not get too stuffy so that you don't have to take it off too often. In this test, at least (apart from being uncomfortable due to the temperature), I never got so sweaty while moving around that I had to take it off.
The half-length front zipper allows for easy donning and doffing of the jacket and allows for ventilation. The extra-long zipper allows for ample air circulation
Comfort and ease of movement
It's no surprise to someone like me who has worn Rab for many years the Phantom Pull-On the "definitive" ultra-light rainwear today is that it's so light yet doesn't compromise on comfort as clothing.
Despite the slim fit that prevents flapping in the wind, the clever draping and fabric stretch allow for unrestricted movement while running. And to top it all off, the elegant, refined silhouette doesn't feel rugged at all, creating a high-level fusion that offers a high-quality comfort that no other brand can match
The slim fit and ease of movement that naturally follows the movements of your entire body means you experience surprisingly little stress while moving around
The excellent three-dimensional cut and stretchability mean you won't feel any tightness even when bending and straightening your legs, knees, or elbows
The clever cut ensures ease of movement while still being slim, and the back is longer to prevent it from riding up
The pants have an adjustable drawcord at the waist, allowing for a wide range of adjustment
However, it's important to note that a slim fit also means that it's difficult to layer. It's fine if you're wearing just one shirt, but if you plan to layer it with thermal clothing in the fall and winter, you may want to choose a size larger
Both the top and bottom are slim-fitting, making them easy to move in, and there's none of the stiffness you feel when wearing a shell
Functionality
, the Phantom Pull-On of many of the parts that are usually found on rain jackets , but it's amazing how that doesn't make it any less comfortable to wear. This is probably due to the clarity and consistency of the concept behind this garment, which is to "focus entirely on the functionality required for lightweight, nimble activities, and eliminate everything unnecessary for that purpose."
In that sense, it is clear that this item is extremely well-equipped and has been meticulously equipped with all the functions necessary for trail running and speed hiking
For example, reflectors, including the logo, are included on both the top and bottom to ensure safety at night
The upper part of the sleeve has a brim to help prevent water from getting in, and the hem and cuffs are made of partially stretchy material to prevent water from getting in while providing a comfortable fit
The cuffs and hem fit snugly and keep out the wind and cold
The pants have a discreet gusset at the bottom, so you can put them on and take them off without taking off your low-cut shoes
Lightweight and discreet velcro and button hem
There is also a hook at the back of the neck for storing the hood, which is great for those who want to prevent the hood from flapping while running in good weather
This is what I'm curious about
Since this rainwear is thoroughly focused on lightness and stripped down to the bare minimum to remove any parts that would hinder movement, some trade-offs were unavoidable in achieving this drastic ultra-lightweight design. I will touch on these here. However, these can be adequately covered with other equipment, so rather than thinking of them as weaknesses of this model, it will be better to think of ways to compensate for them with your overall equipment, which will lead to overall happiness
The hood cannot be adjusted
For example, the "non-adjustable, stretchy hood (with a wired brim)" felt a little too loose for me, who has a small head, and didn't leave a very good impression. The basic shape is good and the stretch on both sides makes it fit well when you just put it on, but when actually walking, I think the brim should be a little higher to give a wider field of vision, and it also feels like it slips off when you shake your head
For this reason, I recommend wearing a cap to help stabilize the hood's fit, and it worked fine
No pockets at all
Another drawback, as mentioned in the first half, is the complete lack of pockets. It would certainly be convenient if there was even a small zippered pocket, but this is a sacrifice that must be made in order to reduce weight. Instead, choose a backpack or other clothing with more pockets, and this won't be such a big problem
Don't expect more durability than standard
The 7-denier nylon fabric is as delicate as you'd expect, and it seems far more susceptible to abrasion and snagging than a typical jacket. The PU membrane also isn't particularly resistant to deterioration over time. Taking it to places where you'll be climbing rocky ridges or wading through bushes would be suicidal, and I wouldn't want to take it out and put it away repeatedly. It really shines when you're traveling on well-maintained trails and prioritizing speed
Summary: Recommended for these people
Lightest and most compact, with the highest level of comfort, and almost nothing but the essentials. After using them for a while, the Rab Phantom Pull-On & Phantom Pants are built on a clear and strong concept: "The best product for hikers and runners who prioritize lightness." If you're doing activities like trail running where you need to move quickly with minimal equipment, or if you're a hiker looking to shave off every gram, there's no reason not to carry this item in your backpack. And what's more, fortunately, despite being such a high-end product, the price is surprisingly reasonable...!
However, it's important to note that this strictness means that it may not meet your expectations if you use it in a way that deviates from its intended purpose. The extremely thin fabric is too delicate for heavy-duty mountain climbing where you'll be carrying loads of tens of kilograms, or for climbing streams where you'll have to forge your way through uncharted territory, and the lack of pockets can be inconvenient if you're wearing rain gear all day. If heavy rain is expected, we recommend bringing more substantial rain gear than this one
This jacket really shines in situations where you rarely experience heavy downpours and want to pack as little rain gear as possible just in case. In reality, most of my weekend hikes are like this, so I'm sure I'll be relying on it for a long time to come
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